Ledger.com/start | Your Official Guide to Getting Started

Welcome to the world of self-custody and enhanced security for your cryptocurrencies. If you’ve just purchased a Ledger hardware wallet—a Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax—you’ve taken a crucial step in securing your digital assets. The official starting point for this journey is ledger.com/start, which will guide you through the unboxing and setup process.

This article will walk you through what to expect at ledger.com/start and how to get your device up and running safely and efficiently.

Why Start at Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is the official, dedicated resource from Ledger. It is designed to provide you with the most up-to-date and secure instructions. Using any other guide or video can be risky, as methods can become outdated. This official portal ensures you are following the correct steps to initialize your device, protecting you from potential scams or phishing attempts.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your New Ledger Device

Before you begin, ensure you have your Ledger device, the USB cable, and a compatible computer or smartphone.

Step 1: Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the essential companion application for your hardware wallet. It allows you to manage your crypto, check your portfolio, and install apps for different cryptocurrencies.

  1. Go to ledger.com/start.
  2. Select your device model (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax).
  3. The site will direct you to download Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux, or mobile from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store).
⚠️ Security Tip: Always download Ledger Live directly from the official Ledger website or official app stores. Never use a third-party link.

Step 2: Initialize Your Device
Once Ledger Live is installed, open the application and follow the on-screen prompts.

  1. You will be presented with two options: "Set up as new device" or "Restore from recovery phrase." Since this is a new device, select "Set up as new device."
  2. Your Ledger device will now guide you through the core security setup.

Step 3: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase (The Most Important Step!)
This is the single most critical part of the entire process. Your recovery phrase (also known as a seed phrase) is a 24-word list that acts as the master key to all your crypto assets.

  1. Your Ledger device will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase.
  2. Write down each word in the exact order on your provided Recovery Sheet.
  3. Never, ever:
    • Take a digital photo or screenshot of the phrase.
    • Type it into a computer or phone.
    • Store it in the cloud or email it to yourself.
    • Share it with anyone.

This phrase is your last line of defense. If you lose your Ledger device, you can use this phrase to recover all your funds on a new device. If someone else gets it, they can steal everything.

Step 4: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
To ensure you wrote it down correctly, your Ledger device will ask you to re-enter a selection of the words. This step verifies your backup.

Step 5: Set a PIN Code
You will now create a 4 to 8-digit PIN code for your device. This PIN is required every time you connect and use your Ledger, adding a physical layer of security. Even if someone has your device, they cannot access it without the PIN.

You're Ready! Now What?

With your device initialized, you are now ready to use Ledger Live to:

  • Install Apps: Navigate to the "My Ledger" section in Ledger Live to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you own (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Your device has limited space, so you may need to manage which apps are installed.
  • Add Accounts: For each crypto app installed on your device, you can "Add Account" in Ledger Live to generate a receiving address.
  • Receive Crypto: Use the "Receive" function in Ledger Live. The app will guide you to connect your device to verify and confirm the receiving address on its screen—a vital step to prevent address manipulation malware.
  • Send Crypto: To send assets, you will use Ledger Live to create the transaction, but you must physically confirm and approve it by pressing the buttons on your Ledger device.

Final Security Reminders

  • Ledger.com/start is your official source. Bookmark it.
  • Your 24-word recovery phrase is sacred. Store it offline, securely, and in multiple safe locations (e.g., a fireproof safe).
  • Ledger will never ask for your 24-word phrase. Anyone who does is a scammer.
  • Always verify receiving and sending addresses on your device's screen.

Congratulations! By following the official guide at ledger.com/start, you have successfully taken control of your crypto security. Welcome to a safer, more independent financial future.